CROFT, Charles William
| Service Number: | 1162 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 15 August 1914, 4 years 15th Battery |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | 1st Divisional Ammunition Column |
| Born: | Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 28 January 1888 |
| Home Town: | Ballarat, Central Highlands, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Coachsmith |
| Died: | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 13 March 1969, aged 81 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Cornelian Bay Cemetery and Crematorium, Tasmania |
| Tree Plaque: |
Ballarat Avenue of Honour
|
| Memorials: | Ballarat Avenue of Honour |
World War 1 Service
| 15 Aug 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Bombardier, 1162, 2nd Field Artillery Battery, 4 years 15th Battery | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Oct 1914: | Involvement Bombardier, 1162, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade , --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '3' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Shropshire embarkation_ship_number: A9 public_note: '' | |
| 20 Oct 1914: | Embarked Bombardier, 1162, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade , HMAT Shropshire, Melbourne | |
| 19 Apr 1917: | Honoured Military Medal, ANZAC / Gallipoli, 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 Date: 19 April 1917 | |
| 25 Jul 1918: | Honoured Military Cross, 12/1/1918, Wyschaete Ridge, Belgium. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While the battery was in action one of the gun pits was set on fire by an enemy shell. In spite of an intense bombardment, he entered the pit, assisted to extinguish the flames, and carried a wounded man to safety. He then returned and assisted in the search for two missing men. He showed splendid courage and resource.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 110 | |
| 10 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 1st Divisional Ammunition Column |
Help us honour Charles William Croft's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
Lt Charles William Croft MC, MM
Son of Charles G. Croft & Edith H. Hunt
Born: Port Melbourne, Vic. 28th Jan. 1888
Died: Cornelian Bay, Tas. 13th March 1969.
Charles spent his younger years living in George St. Sth Launceston, becoming very successful & competitive in rowing. Moving to Victoria, it saw his rowing career grow with Albert Park & Ballarat Rowing Clubs. He was very quick to join up when WW1 broke out, joining the 6th Field Artillery AFI on 15.8.1914.
Charles was to receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) during an act of bravery at Gallipoli but was downgraded to the Military Medal (MM). Was later awarded for his actions on Wyschaete Ridge, Belgium. His extensive war career can be downloaded from AWM & his sporting rowing career can be found via a Google search.
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